cave · Iraquara, BA
Gruta Azul
It is on the same farm as Gruta da Pratinha and is open for viewing only, with no swimming or walking inside. At certain times, sunlight coming through the opening casts a heart-shaped reflection on the blue water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gruta Azul
Gruta Azul (cave) is on Fazenda Pratinha, the same private property as Gruta da Pratinha, in Iraquara, in Chapada Diamantina. It is a flooded cave, with a lake of very clear, deep water under the rock.
What draws visitors is the light. On certain afternoons, the sun enters through the cave opening and hits the water, which glows an intense blue; at some moments the reflection even looks like a heart. Outside these hours, the lake is darker, but you can still see the bottom and the fish.
The visit is for viewing only. Swimming, diving and walking inside the cave are not allowed: you go down a short staircase to a viewing platform with a handrail at the water's edge and look at the lake from above.
Access is short and close to the Pratinha area, so Gruta Azul is usually part of the same outing as the float. There is no long trail, but the way down has steps.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The visit is quick, just to go down, look at the lake and take photos; it is worth waiting a little if the sun is about to reach the water.
Best time
In mid-afternoon, on clear days, when the sun comes through the opening and lights up the water; the effect only happens during part of the year, so ask at the farm entrance whether it is visible at the time of your visit.
How to get there
It is on Fazenda Pratinha (a farm), in the countryside of Iraquara, in Chapada Diamantina (BA), about an hour's drive from Lençóis. You get there by car or on agency tours from Lençóis and Palmeiras; on the farm, the cave is a short walk from the Pratinha area.
Tip
Plan your float at Pratinha for the morning or early afternoon and leave Gruta Azul for mid-afternoon. The visit is tied to the Fazenda Pratinha entrance, which has a fee; check rates and hours on the official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Gruta Azul in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gruta Azul
Can you swim in Gruta Azul?
No. Gruta Azul is for viewing only: swimming, diving and walking inside the cave are not allowed. For swimming and floating, go to Gruta da Pratinha, on the same farm.
What is the best time of day to see Gruta Azul?
Mid-afternoon, on clear days, when the sun comes through the opening and lights up the water. The effect doesn't happen year-round; check at the farm.
Is there a fee to see Gruta Azul?
The cave is on Fazenda Pratinha, which charges an entrance fee. Check rates on the farm's official website.
Is it a long walk to Gruta Azul?
No. It is close to the Pratinha area, and access is by a short flight of stairs down to the edge of the lake.